Muhammad Ali art exhibit opens at Western Kentucky University

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A new art gallery at Western Kentucky University is giving a look into the life of one of the greatest boxers of all time – Muhammad Ali.

Inside Jody Richards Hall, a gallery of around 60 black and white photographs is displayed, showcasing a behind-the-scenes look at the late Cassius Clay.

The photographs in the exhibit were taken by more than a dozen Courier Journal photographers who documented Ali’s rise to fame and greatness, both in and out of the ring.

The gallery highlights Ali’s time as a boxer, activist and philanthropist, as well as his later years fighting a different fight – his battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Hosting an exhibit like this is a special opportunity for not only WKU students, but the community as a whole.

“It’s that openness, the ability to let us see the real person behind what the marketing team wants Muhammad to be,” said Tim Broekema, a WKU journalism professor. “That really makes the show unique and powerful. I think it’s an emotional experience to walk through this presentation.”

The Ali exhibit will be on display from now until May 3, and the gallery is open on the following days and times: